Protesters demand an end to Brexit at May’s Conservative conference

Demonstrators gather around a fountain on the opening day of the Conservative Party Conference, in Manchester, Britain October 1, 2017. REUTERS/Darren Staples

Chanting “Bollocks to Brexit” and waving the gold stars of the European Union flag, tens of thousands of protesters marched through Manchester on Sunday to the ruling Conservative Party’s annual conference to demand that Britain stay in the EU.

Protesters in the northern English city called on Prime Minister Theresa May to embrace closer ties with Europe, while a separate demonstration demanded that May go now. Helicopters hovered overhead amid a heavy police presence.

The country voted 52-48 percent in a referendum last year to leave the EU, but negotiations with Brussels have progressed slowly and the country remains divided over the outcome.

Finance minister Philip Hammond was greeted on his arrival with shouts of “Tory, Tory, Tory, Out, Out, Out,” by protesters who used the slang name for the Conservative party.

At the front of the demonstration, a lorry carried a multi-headed giant body with the faces of May and three leading Brexit campaigners: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson; Environment Secretary Michael Gove and Brexit Secretary David Davis.

“Brexit is a monstrosity,” it said on the chest. “Let’s Stop It!”

Paolo Orrigo , 51, managing director of a business which imports goods from Italy, said he had voted Conservative all his life but was now switching to the pro-EU party, the Liberal Democrats.

“How am I supposed to import goods on WTO tariffs?” he told Reuters. “We are already seeing the effects. Brexit is a house built on sand. It will fall over, it is just a folly.

“Theresa May is a zombie. She is not going to last.”

May will try to stamp her authority on her party and the cabinet during the four-day conference, having lost her parliamentary majority with a botched election gamble in June.

David Cameron in his decision to gamble on a referendum to pander to his Parties Eurosceptics, not to mention those of an Enoch Powell persuasion, and who have been a disruptive element throughout the UK’s membership of the EU, failed miserably as a leader in not identifying the margin by which a yes or no vote would be valid.

52/48 is in no way decisive on a matter of this import, and it is evidenced by the amount of unrest being witnessed. Let’s face it, the vote indicates a divided country! We are beginning to be regarded as a laughing stock around the world, the more so when loose lips Johnson attempts to show off his supreme intelligence!

Surely it makes sense to consider the possibility that the referendum result, amidst the lies and deceit from both sides of the argument, may just be the worst option for our long term benefit and for the Peace and prosperity of Britain and Europe.

Surely then, if a deal is unable to be reached, a further referendum, with say a requirement for a 2/3 majority for action, would be a sensible course of action.

This is not a case of keep voting until we get the answer I desire, rather a more pragmatic case of not cutting off my nose to spite my face!

Older&wiser

How many Referenda do you want before you yield to the democratic vote of the majority,”oh I know” just as many as it takes until you get the vote that YOU want.
Right or wrong the vote was achieved by a MAJORITY vote I suggest that you grow up and accept the Democratic Will of the people.

Derek Ashworth

I’m reasonably content to be younger and stupider, and thought I had made it clear that any future referendum ought to have a fairly high acceptance bar.

I agree that in a democracy you accept the verdict of the majority, and a simple majority in normal elections, where you have the opportunity to vote out incompetent governments, is clearly right and proper.

In a decision that will affect us for generations, simple majority is not a wise move in my opinion.

We will no doubt be unable to agree on this topic, but perhaps you can accept that we are beginning to lose the respect we once had in the world.

Older&wiser

I agree with you Derek but the rules were set therefore the result should be accepted like a man and a lesson for the future learned.

David Wilson

You are just a sore loser who cannot begin to see the benefits Britain will reap post Brexit. If you want to keep subsidising the French and German unelected elite in the EU then go there whilst you still have a silly pink euro passport

Mike

Well it seems that some in UK do not want to abide by the result of a vote. Unfortunately that is what the people of the United Kingdom eligible to vote voted for, not that I think it was a wise choice but vote they did so now the government must carry out the wishes of the people. I wonder if ex Prime Minister Cameron now regrets trying to appease his party members by calling the referendum. All in all an unholy mess but rules are rules UK must leave. I fear for them as they are still being lied to and no one from any political party seems to have a clue as to what they are going to do next or how to proceed. The EU knows what has to happen but UK seems not to like that. It gets more interesting as the clock ticks away.

Kevin Ingham

There was all sorts of other demands by this shower at this protest.

Not only were they wanting Brexit to stop, they were wanting democratic elections to be overturned, they were advocating insurrection and law breaking to get their way and the dismantling of capitalism to be replace by some sort of wackadoodle socialist experiment.funded by the fruit from a money tree

The whole thing was a rather ugly display that is becoming typical of a certain element in society which only believes in democracy when they get the result they like.and freedom of speech only if it is what they want to hear .

Neroli

The usual shower that Corbyn employs for demos

kypselian

Britain it is over. You chose Brexit. You have to live with it! Get over it.

Monica

Nothing to “Get over” ….. I’m looking forward to Brexit. !

Pat

Another fantasist.

kypselian

you wont be able to eat italian meat

Banjo

Did we eat Italian meat before.

Monica

Horse & Donkey meat, Banjo. LOL

Gipsy Eyes

Now you are demonstrating your culinary ignorance. Still you’ve got even bigger culinary moron egging you on.

Neroli

Why don’t you stop calling people on here ignorant or morons or unintelligent!! Go back to the The Star or whatever you read

Who wants pepperoni!! We have wonderful grassfed lamb and beef all over the UK in Wales Ireland and England and wonderful beef in Scotland!

kypselian

You wont access scotland as they want to stay in EU

Neroli

They are part f the UK! They can’t stay in Scotland alone

kypselian

soon.. and i remind you, they are running a refrundum to leave UK

Neroli

That was meant to say EU! Scotlands had a referendum to leave the UK!!

kypselian

yes UK

Banjo

I do like pepperoni in a paella .

cyprus observer

Is there a need if good quality meat is produced in Scotland?

kypselian

scotland wants to stay in the EU. Moreover the Britain wants scotland to get out of the EU with Britain dismissing scotish wishes. Britain wants to control scotland the way britain claims the EU is controlling Britain. did u read animal farm?

David Wilson

Kyp, your brain is in meltdown here

kypselian

))

Neroli

UK have great British meat, we don’t want Italian meat

Gipsy Eyes

So you’re doing it again. Assuming that you speak for the whole country. And you don’t even live here!

Neroli

I have feet in both countries. And know good meat when I see it, majority of my friends are farmers so I support British farmers! And what’s it to do with you?

Gipsy Eyes

Of course you support British farmers, after all you are British, and the tens of thousands of Italians who live and work here or have businesses here and are apparently welcome in the UK can forget about their “horse and donkey meat (Monica) and make do with British meat and two veg because what’s good enough for the British is good enough for them.
It’s the nationalist arrogance of people like you and Monica that gives the EU reason to believe Britain will not respect the rights of EU citizens.

Neroli

I’ve no idea what you eat in north London but in Yorkshire we don’t eat meat and 2 vege – a bit more upmarket! Nothing to do with arrogance, I happen to love Italian food as well!

Gipsy Eyes

Meat and two veg is healthy.

Neroli

True! Three is better ?

Evergreen

Feet in both countries but soul is in UK.

Neroli

Absolutley! I’m English not Cypriot

Evergreen

Soul is not limited or conditioned to have bond to ethnicity, country or native place. Soul relates to the connection which can be any place where one feels ‘connected’. You are talking about a pre-conditioned choice .

Neroli

No, I love being here but my heart is in UK, my family are there

Evergreen

One should live where one has his soul.

Neroli

I live where I want

kypselian

so why do you import it?

David Wilson

I dont eat donkey meat from Italy, Im sticking to 100% British beef, lamb, chicken and pork Best in the world 🙂

kypselian

you do not like Donkey Meat?

David Wilson

No I cerftainly dont like donkey meat far to gristly for me. Do you like donkey meat Kyp?

kypselian

i tried it in thailand. it tasted like beef. so it is ok

David Wilson

Hey Kyp, Just hope that the donkey was not attached to his meat lol

EGB

In Cyprus with none of your working life ahead of you? Still, as long as you’re happy…

Mike

….and the Chlorine washed chicken, the 200+% tarriff on goods, the scuttling around trying to find someone to trade with, the exodus of talent and business. I guess a massive cut in Corporation tax will attract inward investment for carpetbaggers on the lookout to exploit a desperate economy’s need for foreign cash but other than that it’s what the people voted for so it must come to pass. I sincerely hope for the sake of the average person who didn’t have a clue what they were really voting for that UK does get through it and survives to prosper but I fear for the average working man and woman given the mountain of domestic debt UK has.

Older&wiser

Aside from insulting the intelligence of those millions of voters that voted Democratically for Brexit why don’t you apply for a post as Senior Super Special Advisor to the Government to show them they are stupid and should listen to YOU.

David Wilson

Just because you dont like losing the vote Man up and accept its the will of the people not your elite doctrine, that is spoken by referendum. Go and nationalise your train set!

Gipsy Eyes

Mike is one of the most affable, civil and inoffensive commentators on this site and he has expressed his point of view. Look at your response to his comment. That’s what I don’t like about you and your kind and why I challenge you. It’s not because you might be English, British, a Tory, a UKIPper or a 7th Day Adventist….It’s because you’re an a$$hole!

David Wilson

Charming! How gracious of you Just because I come from Jamaica I am not resorting to your level at the bottom of the swamp

Gipsy Eyes

Like I said above I don’t care where you’re from, what race or nationality you are. What I don’t like about you is that you are an a$$hole!

David Wilson

Having to resort to insults make you look pathetic – Gypsy traveller. We are better off here if you just stay in your damp caravan without wifi

Gipsy Eyes

You have a problem with travelers? Who’s “we”? I don’t see many people agreeing with you!

SuzieQ

I was about to jump to Mike’s defense (not that I think he needs little old me to) because he’s a lovely guy, but you beat me to it! There are some very rude ignoramuses on here

Gipsy Eyes

I agree Mike doesn’t need any of us to stick up for him. This idiot Wilson claims he doesn’t want to join me at the bottom of the swamp and then makes snide remarks about me being a “traveler” living in a caravan. He claims to come from Jamaica and I have many Jamaican friends, and I can honestly say I’ve never heard one of them tell anyone to go back to where they came from because like many of us who came to the UK in the 1950s and 1960s they were all victims of this insult.

SuzieQ

I think a few commentators have very low self-esteem, so often rely on verbal abuse to cover up their perceived inadequacies. That’s just my slant on things!

Evergreen

I agree.

SuzieQ

It’s a pity, really, as, just sometimes, they have interesting statements to make and then degenerate into hurling abuse at those who disagree.

Evergreen

Suzie mou only incompetent people with low self esteem do like this. Very disappointing.

Gipsy Eyes

It’s too easy to come on here and say anything you like or express your true beliefs. Most people would not do this in face to face situations chatting about politics or any other contentious subject. Now if you come across such a person in a face to face situation you would probably avoid any future contact after firmly but politely telling them you don’t agree with them.
On here you firmly but politely disagree, they come back and you firmly but rudely disagree and the whole thing degenerates into a slanging match that you feel you don’t want to lose or rather allow the other person to have the last word. These forums are not very good mediums for passionate and intelligent debate. I wish I could just give it up because it is a waste of valuable time and effort.
Having said that, there are some very nice people too that I think I would get on with in a face to face situation.

IrishCypriot

Here’s hoping it’s not over and Britain can come to its senses. Life in Europe is a lesser evil for the British.

kypselian

i agree. read some news today that britain might do another referundum for brexit but with 60% pass rate.

Mike

A little harsh but I tend to agree.

Banjo

The conservatives ran what is widely accepted as the worst election campaign in history, they were terrible , they are disorganised and arguing with each other ….. but STILL Labour can’t beat them , STILL Labour are seen as a financial liability.

And they’ve rolled out a communist to bang on about the virtues of the Labour Party ???

GSP

“We want Jeremy Corbyn elected as prime minister on a socialist manifesto with the collective ownership of industry, services and economic power.” says Jo.
Was this guy tested for drugs after making this demand?
The last labour government of UK were far right compared to what Jo wants and they pretty well bankrupted the country.
Watch the pound collapse if there is even a remote rumour of a Labour win.

Gipsy Eyes

The pound has already collapsed by 20% under the party of “good economic management.” and they keep telling us what a great job they’re doing and that the economy is doing better than ever while mugs like you lap up every word. So if I were you I wouldn’t worry too much about Labour getting in. What bankrupted the in 2008 was bailing out the banks. There’s never money to help the poor but there’s always money for bombs, bailing out the banks and giving tax reductions to the rich.

Banjo

Apart from the consequences of having no banking industry, you are overlooking the colossal budget deficit the Labour government created.

I’m sure you are well aware that Blair inherited a surplus.

Gipsy Eyes

And you being an expert on fiscal policy will no doubt be able to tell us what Labour did wrong.

Banjo

Well yes , they spent like a drunken sailor.

Gipsy Eyes

And this is your expert opinion. Now unlike you I don’t claim to be an expert but like most intelligent people I know where to look for information. I also listen to what people say or write and draw my own conclusions: Here’s a little snippet for you. “On arrival in office in 1997 the Government was faced with a large structural fiscal deficit, low net investment, rising public debt and falling public sector net worth. Urgent action was needed. This situation had come about in part as a result of a lack of clear and transparent fiscal objectives, together with fiscal reporting that did not permit full and effective public and Parliamentary scrutiny. The Government therefore took steps to implement a new framework for fiscal policy”.
Institute of Financial Services 2010 So Labour did not inherit a surplus. The rest of the report also talks about how Labour brought down the deficit until 2007 when the world banking crisis brought about the recession we are still in today and which Britain has been the slowest to recover from.
Now I also watch PMQs and for a year I’ve been listening to May going on about how the Tories are spending more on just about everything than Labour did during its 13 years in power. So you see, like most right wingers on here you have a view of British politics shaped by rags like the Sun and Daily Mail, no opinion of your own and are totally incapable of deducing from what is said and what is written that the views you are so fond of espousing are wrong. But then again that’s because you’re not an intelligent person, are you?

Banjo

That is complete nonsense, where do you get your information.

It is very easy to check and find confirmed government budget figures. There was a surplus for the first four years of Labour government, left over from the previous government. Then the deficit began in 2002 , by the time the financial crisis stated the Labour government deficit stood at £68 BILLION. By the time Labour were removed from power ( just two years later ) it was £149 BILLION .

Oh and the financial crisis started in September 2008 , with the collapse of Lehman Brothers Not 2007.

Gipsy Eyes

Where did I get my information from you ask: The Institute of Financial Services 2010. It says so in my comment or are the words too long and you didn’t recognise them?
The recession started 2007 Lehman collapsed 2008. Recessions have causes and origins not fixed start and end dates. The rest of your comment does not have any sources so I suppose it’s easy to find “confirmed budget figures” especially in the compendium of Daily Mai/Banjo anti Labour facts and figures. The IFS is independent by the way. And after 7 years of “austerity” meaning wage and benefit restraints on the least wealthy in our society as well as cuts to all our public services, it still stands at 50 billion while actual debt, public and private is running in the trillions.

Pat

Blair inherited a deficit, which continued to 1998, and turned into a surplus in 1999.

EGB

You’re right, they inherited a note in the treasury to the effect of ‘good luck, there’s no money’ if I remember correctly. I’m no fan of Blair or Labour in general that said.

Banjo

You are referring to the note left by the departing Labour government in 2010.

Pat

The letter said “I’m afraid there is no money” which was both truthful and accurate.

It had all been spent propping up the financial system, UKP 26 billion to Northern Rock for example (later sold to Virgin Money when it started showing a profit).

And I’m no admirer of Blair and ‘New Labour’ either.

GSP

If Labour get in again with their current manifesto, UK will be like post-war Germany, we will be taking barrow loads of pound coins to buy a loaf of bread.

Gipsy Eyes

Really, was Labour running post WWI Germany?

GSP

??????

Gipsy Eyes

Follow the dots you’ll soon figure out my comment.

GSP

Sorry, GE. My eyesight is not what it used to be. I see no dots in your comments. 🙁

Gipsy Eyes

Well you wouldn’t: they’re metaphorical dots!

GSP

But how can I metaphorically follow them? 🙂

Gipsy Eyes

Try intuitive deduction.

EGB

This is just Jo speaking – do you know him? Is he a big influence in the Labour party? I’m not a Labour fan and far less a Corbyn fan, May is a pro-remain Tory leading the country out of the EU, if Corbyn is ever elected his problems will be much worse. In either case it’s just most of the UK that will suffer.

GSP

I have no idea who Jo is, in the article he apparently declined to be identified. I used tobe a Labour fan and even went to see Wilson give a speech. Then they started the break- up of the UK aircraft industry.

You should not have changes like this decided by only a 50% vote. There is a reason in the US a Constitutional Amendment requires 66% of the vote in both congressional chambers. Long term changes such as Scottish Independence, Brexit, Catalonia Independence should not rely on 50% because polls change weekly. One day it is 48-52 and the next day is 52-48. Changes that impact a country for generations should have a higher threshold that is not subject to the weekly ebbs and flows of weekly emotions, that can be changed by a press article that came out a day before the election.

Banjo

There is something in what you say , I’d tend to agree with you.

But I voted leave so I’ll take the system we have.

Pat

I agree with Nigel Farage who said a month before the referendum “In a 52-48 referendum this would be unfinished business by a long way. If the remain campaign win two-thirds to one-third that ends it.”

cyprus observer

Totally agree

Evergreen

“She is hanging on by a thread”.True.

David Wilson

No she isn’t Conservative party has far more seats than commie corbyn labour has and there is nothing they can do. Apart from trying violently to bring down a government but hey that’s communism Never works never will

Banjo

Some of our contributors will be saying May is about to be sacked all the way to the next election in 5 years time.

Gipsy Eyes

Boris said she’ll be out in a year. Is that who you mean?

Gipsy Eyes

Seems to be working in China. Capitalism is doing really well in the UK with 4 million kids living in poverty. But hey that’s Britain for you nothing works here.We failed to make the EU work for us and we don’t seem to be having much success leaving. Might have something to do with an electorate that believes anything it’s told.

Neroli

The last thing uk needs is a commie labour government run by Corbyn

Gipsy Eyes

Polls as recent as yesterday indicate that over 70% of the British public support Labour’s “commie” policies as opposed to the Conservative’s “free market” policies.Now I’m fully aware you have no idea what either communism or capitalism are but in the UK we have and have had for 60 or 70 years what’s called a “mixed economy” that is a mix of free market and socialist policies.

This morning Phillip Hammond, our millionaire Chancellor of the Exchequer, demonstrated his total cluelessness about the impact delays in universal credit payments have on those who cannot survive without them and at the same time announced how the government is about to pour more billions into infrastructure. The “cluelessness” is an example of the sort of ignorance you clearly demonstrate in your inane comment while the billions going into infrastructure is the sort of “commie” policy Corbyn has been talking about since he was a twinkle in his dad’s eye!
The reason we have such bad governments is because too much of the electorate , like you, has no idea what our politicians are talking about or what goes on in our country. As long as you’re happy in your state of perpetual ignorance the politicians can say and do as they please without fear or contradiction from the electorate.

Neroli

As usual the rude comments to everyone!

Gipsy Eyes

No not everyone: only morons who come on here claiming they speak for the whole country even though what they know will fit comfortably on the back of a stamp.

David Wilson

Your quote that there are 4 million kids living in poverty in the UK is utter rubbish. You must still be living in the Victorian era lol. I suggest you pack your bags and go and live in China if you like communism so much. You will be able to witness true poverty there and you are welcome to it

Gipsy Eyes

My quote is a generally accepted contemporary figure and I did not say I like Chinese communism. I said it seems to be working in China. I don’t have to go to China to witness “true poverty”: There’s plenty of it here. Your pack your bags advice is reminiscent of what English racists used to say to us when we first came to the UK……”If you don’t like it here….f-off back to where you came from”.

Neroli

It’s also what the Cypriots say to us here!

David Wilson

So true x

Gipsy Eyes

Not this Cypriot! (Gipsy Eyes)
Two wrongs don’t make a right. But basically you’re saying that you are no better than them. On that I agree with you totally!

Neroli

It’s not a saying of mine! And I’ve never said that to you! Back off with you horrible moronic comments to people on here, why do you think you’re always right??

Gipsy Eyes

I don’t think I’m always right. I just object to people who cause offense by assuming they speak for every one else as you have done on this thread and who make offensive comments about others’ beliefs….in this case the Labour Party in particular and socialism in general. There are many very decent people who share those beliefs and yet you others on here whom you are supportive of are so quick off the mark to dismiss them as cranks who are not wanted in Britain. I’m amazed how you people have the gall to be so sensitive when you’re on the receiving end but so self righteously happy when you’re dishing out your “horrible moronic comments”.

Neroli

..cranks who are not wanted in Britain. Where have I said that?

Gipsy Eyes

I’m not quoting you verbatim just making reference to the essence of your comments and those you cheer on; For example:

From Kevin Ingham
There was all sorts of other demands by this shower at this protest.

Not only were they wanting Brexit to stop, they were wanting democratic elections to be overturned, they were advocating insurrection and law breaking to get their way and the dismantling of capitalism to be replace by some sort of wackadoodle socialist experiment.funded by the fruit from a money tree

The whole thing was a rather ugly display that is becoming typical of a certain element in society which only believes in democracy when they get the result they like.and freedom of speech only if it is what they want to hear .

Despite all the abuse and ridicule I get from some of you on here I stick by what I say and defend it. You on the other hand spend most of your time denying what you say.

Neroli

The usual shower that Corbyn employs for demos – yes the Marxist militant groups it’s true. But I never said they are not wanted in Britain! Stop putting words in people’s mouths

Gipsy Eyes

Oh stop being so pedantic; it’s getting boring. You’re starting to sound like Banjo! Here’s another of your little gems “The last thing the uk needs is a commie labour government run by Corbyn”. Should I take that to mean you “want” them but don’t “need” them? Actually you’ve even surpassed Banjo when it comes to cultivating tedium and boredom. I’m signing off for the day!

Neroli

Good, have a nice day!

David Wilson

Thats before they rob you blind with their scamsa!

David Wilson

“generally accepted contempory figure” Accepted by who? British Trotsky workers revolution party? I dont give a toss where you came from so dont accuse me of being rascist! Stop complaining about something which I never said or has anything to do with this discussion. Move along there is nothing here for you

Gipsy Eyes

I didn’t say you said it. I said it’s what the English used to say to us. Try to stay on track.
“Move along there’s nothing here for you”……Why, is this site the exclusive domain for right wing Tory clowns with very limited knowledge and even more limited reading skills?

David Wilson

Who said I was right wing Tory. Your comments are dissconected and irrelevent and dont stereotype all English people Bitterness eats you up!

Gipsy Eyes

If you’re not you do a very good impression of one. Maybe you’re a UKIPer. I don’t stereotype all English people…..just the ones that sound like you and Neroli.

Neroli

And I’m not a ukiper!

Gipsy Eyes

I didn’t say you are ……..I just said I stereotype people that sound like you and David Wilson where he said I stereotype all English people

David Wilson

You do and you clearly demonstrate it in your posts! Along with your strange fascination to enquire and accuse people to be of certain nationality and political beliefs – rascist paranoia……

Evergreen

I agree.

David Wilson

Nor me!

David Wilson

Your curiosity about my nationality and my beleifs is rather disturbing. Why have you got to establish this and what difference does it make to you. Why cant you just accept people for what they are?

Gipsy Eyes

I’m not curious about your nationality or your beliefs. I just object to your coming on here and being dismissive of other people’s beliefs.

David Wilson

Deal with it!

Gipsy Eyes

I am dealing with it in the manner I’ve always dealt with things on here. You’re the one who seems to be under the impression that my disagreement with you is racist paranoia.

David Wilson

Thought you signed off for the day?? Totally deluded! Try and do what you say you are doing and do everyone on here a favour please

Evergreen

Exactly.I noticed it also.

Neroli

GE was probably an AKEL supporter in his time

David Wilson

Thought GE was signing off for the day? There is “another” GE on here delivering the usual strange surreal statements as we speak lol

Neroli

Think it was me he was signing off to – evidently I’m tedious and boring!

David Wilson

Neroli, no you are not, your comments are welcome and more than a match for the super elite nationalists on here – please keep it up!

Neroli

??

Pat

It’s easy to find out who says this, you’ve got a computer – go to any search engine and type in “U.K. child poverty” and you’ll find pages of sources.

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